AUGUSTA, Maine — Suggesting he’s not finished cutting red tape, Maine Gov. Paul LePage said Monday that a bill that streamlines state regulations is a “good down payment” on reforms needed to transform the state’s business climate.
Flanked by legislative leaders, he signed the bill named Legislative Document No. 1, the first bill submitted in the legislative session. The bill aimed at removing burdensome regulations received unanimous Senate approval and had only three dissenting votes in the House.
“When we work to pass common sense legislation that effectively assists more jobs to be created, it’s a no-brainer,” LePage said.
“This is a good down payment on the necessary reforms we must make to transform Maine’s business climate.”
The law streamlines the permitting process, establishes an environmental self-audit program, strengthens business assistance efforts and trims the size of the Board of Environmental Protection.
Some of the provisions were introduced through a series of “red tape” workshops held throughout Maine earlier this year. LePage said he was particularly happy to see the creation of business liaisons in the Department of Community and Economic Development with a goal of helping businesses with regulations and permits.
LePage also commended legislators on both sides of the aisle.
House Democratic Leader Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, echoed the sentiment.
“The regulatory reform law is proof positive that we do our best work together,” she said. “We came together to find moderate compromise to support our business community and our environment.”